Residents Welcome Back Home After Springs Fire Evacuations
Riverside County Firefighters Achieve 45% Containment of Springs Fire
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. – Firefighters in Riverside County have made significant progress in combating the Springs Fire, which has threatened hundreds of homes near Moreno Valley. As of Saturday, the fire, which has burned 4,176 acres since igniting Friday morning, is now 45% contained.
Firefighters have mobilized over 300 personnel, including 36 engines and seven hand crews, to the scene. The blaze was ignited near Gilman Springs Road, fueled by "light flashy fuels" and strong winds reaching 70 mph. Despite the fire’s rapid spread, officials confirmed that no structures have been damaged.
Evacuation orders for many residents have been downgraded to warnings, allowing families to return to their homes ahead of Easter Sunday. "We got pretty lucky. It’s overwhelming how much you take for granted," said resident Mike Doughton, reflecting on the initial fear surrounding the fire. Gratitude for the efforts of first responders has echoed among residents, with Tomara Green stating, "I just wanted to say thank you to all of them for all that they did and are still doing."
An evacuation shelter has been established at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley to assist displaced residents.
While containment has improved, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have not yet provided a timeline for complete containment, as crews navigate challenging terrain to secure the perimeter.
As conditions remain dry and windy, residents are reminded to stay vigilant and avoid the Gilman Springs Road area to facilitate ongoing firefighting efforts.
